Rich Wolf

[Chuck Kenlan]

Dear Bend Cycling Friends

Our dear friend Rich Wolf was killed by a drunk driver, Flynn Lovejoy, while riding his bike on August 10, 2021. After over 20 months, Lovejoy's trial will finally begin on May 16. Although the date has been set, there are factors that could delay it again or a plea deal may be struck. Rich's loving wife, Michelle and other members of Rich's family have all pushed for a manslaughter 1 charge which now seems unlikely. This is from a recent note from Michelle:

Hi Everyone,
Met with DA, ADA, DDAs, and Victim Advocate last Wednesday.
Long story, but the DA's office can't charge Lovejoy with Manslaughter One due to a confirmed witness statement. A guy that stopped at the scene to offer help was told there was nothing to do, and whoever hit Rich left the scene of the crime, so he went looking for the driver. He followed a trail of fluid from Lovejoy's car into Inn at the 7th parking lot, and this guy recognized Lovejoy since he played baseball with his son, so he stopped. Lovejoy didn't know what he hit, and the guy basically told him he hit and killed a cyclist, and Lovejoy asked if he should go back.  This guy told him to stay put, and he would let the police know where he was.  Lovejoy was very upset at this point (remorseful). So there is no "extreme indifference", so can't charge with Man 1.  Now they have to decide if they are going for Man 2 or offer a plea deal for Criminally Negligent Homicide. Still- all are felonies.
So, I do not know if there will be a trial or not, and I don't know when I will know...
Also, if people show up at the trial or sentencing, they can't show up dressed in their bike gear, the judge will throw them out. That seems wrong since some people will ride their bikes there....

Not sure about next steps. 
The whole prosecution team was really upset. 

Rich was a friend and a valued member of the Bend cycling community. Rich also was an active member of the Alpenrose Velodrome racing community and was loved by many. He was such a kind soul and is missed by many. 

I plan on being at the trial to support Michelle and to be an advocate for appropriate punishment for Mr. Lovejoy. I hope that others in our community can do the same. 

I will post updates as we learn them. 

Chuck

[Darell C. Provencher]

I think that Oregon manslaughter in second degree has a mandatory minimum sentence of six years and three months in prison. Criminally negligent homicide has no minimum requirements. Hope the prosecution goes for Man 2.

---

From: Chuck Kenlan <cke...@obra.org>
Sent: Wednesday, April 19, 2023 3:14 PM
To: OBRA Chat <obra...@obra.org>
Subject: [OBRA Chat] Rich Wolf

 

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